Constant digestive issues!

[Susie]

Hi friends,
I have some serious issues with digesting. I think I have narrowed it down to a sensitivity to gluten, sugar, and/or? garlic and onions. It is absolutely horrible, I will be painfully bloated and have the most toxic smelling gas for 2+ days after it starts. This happens at least once a week, usually more. So I end up dealing with this almost all the time. I've been a vegan for almost two years now and it has been much worse since then. For a while I was "waiting it out" thinking my body would sort itself out but sometimes I think it has actually gotten worse in the past two years. Any ideas?

P.S. If you are going to tell me I'm dumb or say "try not eating those things" please don't post! Would love to have a conversation about it but I'm trying to get some new ideas. Thanks!

 

[Lou]

Although I do love medical mysteries, I think your next step is to see a doctor. And if you have already discussed this with your doctor I think you should contact the doc again and reiterate these issues and symptoms.

Sensitivities and food allergies are fairly easy to diagnose. Most of the common allergens are dealt with in one single test and it's done right in the doctor's office. Less common food allergies may take a little longer and may even require a specialist - but you can cross that bridge when you get to it.

In a study done just a few months ago (which now I can't find) they tested random people for gluten sensitivity. About half the people who thought they had a gluten sensitivity was surprised to find they did not. Even more interesting, about half the people who actually had a gluten sensitivity did not know they had one. ( I probably have those numbers wrong)

The other thing that i am reluctant to suggest is IBS. IBS isn't even one disease. It takes on many forms. Most of the time it can be correctly diagnosed. And there are some treatment plans (and medication ) that seem to be effective.

And there are any other number of factors that could be responsible or contribute including stress, hormonal issues, and sleep.

One final thought. Try to get his figured out and fixed ASAP.
" If your GI tract is chronically inflamed, it may lead to inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticular disease or other conditions."

How to (finally) fix your chronic stomach issues

It’s easier than you might think.

www.cnet.com

https://health.usnews.com/health-news/blogs/eat-run/2015/06/11/think-youre-sensitive-to-gluten-think-again

 

[Susie]

I have thought before that it could be IBS, but all information about it is vague and I don't think I understood it.
This was very helpful, thank you!

 

[Emma JC]

I agree with @Lou on everything he says, my challenge would be that I don't like doctors or doctor visits so if I were you I would do an elimination style search for the cause. A week of eating nothing but potatoes, for example, and then gradually adding back in foods that you suspect....

Emma JC

 

[TofuRobot]

Google "Elimination diet." Often breastfeeding moms have various issues with the baby not tolerating something mom is eating. The best way to find out what that is essentially by process of elimination. It only takes a few weeks, but you can easily narrow down what might be causing your issues by slowly reintroducing foods until you find the thing that's upsetting your system.

Or, you could spend the time & $ getting allergy testing. If you have a real gluten allergy, that's something you need to know. People with Celiac disease cannot tolerate any level of gluten at all. Even the smallest amount will make them sick for days.

If following an elimination program for 4-5 weeks doesn't turn up anything, I'd see a doc.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/elimination-diet

 

[Lou]

Normally I agree with everything that @TofuRobot and @Emma JC say. And normally I would also recommend the elimination strategy.

However, you said you've had this for at least 2 years and that it has been getting worse. Also, it sounds like you have been doing some type of elimination process - but without success.

Although reoccurring bloating is not something serious or scary, the constant long term bowel issues could either indicate something more serious or turn into something scary.

After more than 2 years, I think you are way overdue for a doctor's visit. and with Health Insurance, it shouldn't even cost much.

Also just think of what if the doctor just finds a food allergy to something you haven't thought of. And next week you feel all better.

Or if the doctor finds something treatable. There are some new treatments for IBS. BTW, the reason the info for IBS was sort of vague was because its not just one disease. But i just checked a source and it does NOT sound like you have IBS. It's probably something else.

If you do want to try the elimination thing one more time - cut out all fruit for a week. Some people have problems with fructose.

Symptoms & Causes of Gas in the Digestive Tract - NIDDK

Learn about symptoms and causes of gas. Gas enters your digestive tract when you swallow air and when bacteria in the large intestine break down carbohydrates.

www.niddk.nih.gov

 

[TofuRobot]

Normally I agree with everything that @TofuRobot and @Emma JC say. And normally I would also recommend the elimination strategy.

However, you said you've had this for at least 2 years and that it has been getting worse. Also, it sounds like you have been doing some type of elimination process - but without success.

Although reoccurring bloating is not something serious or scary, the constant long term bowel issues could either indicate something more serious or turn into something scary.

After more than 2 years, I think you are way overdue for a doctor's visit. and with Health Insurance, it shouldn't even cost much.

Also just think of what if the doctor just finds a food allergy to something you haven't thought of. And next week you feel all better.

Or if the doctor finds something treatable. There are some new treatments for IBS. BTW, the reason the info for IBS was sort of vague was because its not just one disease. But i just checked a source and it does NOT sound like you have IBS. It's probably something else.

If you do want to try the elimination thing one more time - cut out all fruit for a week. Some people have problems with fructose.

Symptoms & Causes of Gas in the Digestive Tract - NIDDK

Learn about symptoms and causes of gas. Gas enters your digestive tract when you swallow air and when bacteria in the large intestine break down carbohydrates.

www.niddk.nih.gov

Good idea. I am guilty of skimming and missing the bit about having tried eliminating the foods and a whole 2 years?? Def go get it checked out. I personally wouldn't have waited that long, TBH.

 

[Lou]

Good idea. I am guilty of skimming and missing the bit about having tried eliminating the foods and a whole 2 years?? Def go get it checked out. I personally wouldn't have waited that long, TBH.

Actually, those facts were not clearly stated. Some of that was just me inferring.

 

[QualityGains]

I absolutely agree with Lou here. Seems like a longer issue that should be checked out from a doc.

I could hypothesize it being irregular fiber intake, potential allergens or bacterial overgrowth but in the end only a competent doctor can bring you certainty.